Drove 12 hours from Indiana to NOLA and I fell in love. French Quarter, City Park, Garden District and WW2 were great but strangely for us even going to the local grocery chain (Rouses) was a great experience of its own!
I came for a convention and my hotel is close to Rouses. Really good place to shop for groceries and various things to complement hotel food. Specially appreciate the fresh cut melons and other more healthy goodies ;)
There will be some culture shock! Remember people in nola are really friendly and talkative so expect stangers to treat you like a friend. Just know the social rules are more relaxed so you can jaywalk and nobody will scold you hahaha.
Mark, you are a national (and international) treasure. Your videos are always an excellent resource to planning my trips. Still haven't found a place you haven't been to! Thank you for your amazing content!
Thank you for mentioning the WWII Museum. It is amazing and most people don't know that the people of New Orleans played a critical role in winning the War, which is why it is the ONLY National Museum outside of Washington, D.C.
New Orleans is a very friendly place. All major cities have sketchy aspects. Paris has pick-pockets. Nola has the Shoe hustle. The history of the city is hustling tbh. Locals are a hoot, super fun and friendly. Everything is walking distance in the French Quarter/Frenchman. Be kind and respectful of the culture!
I drove to New Orleans because it was part of a long road trip. Stayed outside of the French Quarter (cheaper to stay outside of there) & just took an Uber between there & where I was staying. Was with 1 other person so it was quite easy & affordable for us to do it that way.
Love my NOLA! We live 40 minutes from this jewel. Just traveled through MSY, it's easy peasy! Day trips for the museums or zoo activities are phenomenal. Love NOLA ❤
I love when Mark reviews a city known for excessive drinking - New Orleans, Prague, Krakow. He always seems to see drunk fights after dark. 😆😆 *Excellent episode, Mark.* You know New Orleans well.
Just came back from New Orleans last week. We had a wonderful time. A good 4-5 days is all you need. We watched your prior videos for insight. Taking the local taxis over the Uber and Lyft at the airport is the better and cheaper option. Thanks Mark😊👍🏾⚜️🎭
Luv NOLA! A great culinary tours is through Confederacy of Cruisers! It’s easy to ride a bike in flat NOLA. The tour takes you to eateries that the locals go to! My husband and I have take the tour 2 times! So fun and great guides. If you aren’t interested in food they also do bike tours that don’t include food! Fun stuff!
I just came back I spent 5 days in new Orleans I loved it great culture and food I stayed at the Marriott on canal it was perfect for location went on a few tours I loved it all it was a great birthday treat for myself!!
I love Nola as they have THE best food. Just have to avoid Bourbon after 11pm on the weekends. The hand grenades and hurricanes have the booze of three drinks so people get HAMMERED and you'll see humanity at its worst at times.
Being born and raised in n.o.had a big influence on the way alot of New Orleanians turned out.This can be a great place to live and a even a greater place to visit.There is one thing that wasn't mentioned to see if it is happening while you are here and, that's a Jazz funeral.It's not as morbid as it sounds. It is one of the best ways to pay tribute to our local musicians.LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL 😊!!!
I went to New Orleans a couple months ago to interview at UNO, I stayed at the City House Hostel on Canal & Burgundy Street. It was a great experience. Bare bones, but all I needed. Right on the edge of the quarter and a fraction of the cost I would have spent at a hotel nearby.
Thank you for easing some of my safety concerns! My husband and I will be visiting new Orleans next April and I was wondering how safe it was for our 7 year old:) can't wait to visit!
One nice book that helped me a lot in my traveling to New Orleans was "Exploring New Orleans Like A Native" by Brandy Cole, I got that superb book on Amazon. I would have been lost without that book Thanks to that dude❤
I want to go to there! New Orleans is one of the places that I haven’t gone and want to go. The architecture, music, food, art and culture… I want to experience it all; the sights, sounds, smells (minus pee or puke) and the vibe. If I do go, I’ll keep in mind all the tips and warnings you gave. Thank you for the set of videos you did on NOLA!
As a local who lives and works in the NOLA metro area, I would highly suggest looking into local regulations with COVID, as they have changed what to expect when coming here.
I have had French Quarter hotel reservations for mid-October 2021 since ~May 2021. When I asked my hotel replied that "Yes" vax cards will be required by the restaurants.
New Orleans refugee here. Love to eat at Mothers. Riverboat tours are a blast down the Mississippi River to the New Orleans Battleground. Mention Cafe du Mound, coffee n’ donuts in Jackson Square.
@@BIG_FETUS Yes. It can get up to 100 F (38 C). It's humid too. You just can't enjoy the city. Don't bother trying to look cute. Just accept you will be sweating all day even indoors.
Very helpful information, thank you!! I really wanna go during Mardi Gras & experience it!! I’m from San Francisco Bay Area, living in Las Vegas now! 😃
@@gcarter4496 dont question it. it was fun. I barely explored the city for a night passing through but definitely planning on going back. An experience I keep thinking about and to think I was nervous before going!
Visited NOLA for the 1st time Sept 28 - Oct 4 2021, a month-ish after Hurricane Ida. The most jarring thing was the piles of tree debris sitting in front of houses, even for the rich houses in the Garden District. Less fancier houses often had junk piles in front of them. I stayed in the Lower Garden District for the 1st half of my trip and the Marigny District in the 2nd half.
Keep in mind that "Mardi Gras" is a day, but there's a whole Carnival season. The weekend before Mardi Gras weekend has many of the best parades and can get crowded and expensive. We're crusing out of New Orleans that weekend next year and most of the hotels were booked over a year out. Of the few rooms that were left, the cheapest were $600/night.
New Orleans will always be the same. The other day I found a photo I took 45 years ago of street performers in the Quarter. I could take the same image today and no one would spot a difference. Great people, great music, great food, and an unmatched enjoyment of life.
@@ShinyFlakesShinyFlakes Having lived in New Orleans for over 40 years, including the late 1980’s when the crack epidemic made crime a real problem, from first hand experience I disagree with your statement.
I really want to visit for the first time next year from the Uk. How would it be coming solo? What is the best time to visit in the year, would it be easy to meet people out there? Always been a dream of mine to visit. Thanks for a great video bud. Can i buy you a beer?
My husband really wants to come to NOLA. I have always wanted to come for the Essence Festival which is usually in July but I am not a fan of uncomfortably warm temps so it’s a good thing knowing I have always missed that for a reason lol. I have to check out your other vids. We’d do more of the family friendly things and exploring the food and culture vs the night life. Thanks for sharing!
If you're not a fan of hot weather, I would come between November and April. The weather is usually in the mid-fifties to seventies and sunny - with the occasional bouts of cold - during those months. It starts getting hot again around April.
July and August does suck down here, lol! My Paw Paw used to drink Dixie and Falstaff, though Dixie is called Faubourg now. I drink that every now and then in remembrance of him.
I have visited New Orleans 5 or 6 times. I have always stayed in the suburbs and driven into town and never had any problems locating a parking spot. And btw I've always visited in July as it's the only month I can get enough time off. I also have to add in connection with speed in New Orleans, my grandfather who was in the merchant navy in ghe 60s and visited NO often, called the town Neverleans, because everything seemed to drag on forever.
NOLA is a strange place, it’s not particularly clean, it’s not very modern and not the safest place to visit, but every time you leave, you can’t wait to come back… it has a grip on you and I can’t figure it out myself!!
Hey bro ty for links on UA-cam I think individuals will love it for the blogs most don't have guide and it really helps . Ty and hopefully we'll see ya there and get to do some touring together share in the new Orleans experience and have some fun your bro milo
As a LONG TIME lyft/uber driver in NOLA our rates are cheaper, our cars are cleaner, our drivers are friendlier and you will know who you are riding with. Our drivers are background checked a few times each year. And I can personally tell you horror stories of rub cabbies changing the rates on passengers to maximize their profits unrealistically ... but, hell ... take a cab if you can't understand the LARGE SIGNS that are CLEARLY displayed showing you that the Lyft/uber pick up zone is 8 feet from the hotel shuttles ... WHICH ARE EVEN CHEAPER then riding rideshare! Just say'n
You mentioned everyone takes time. Boy, you are not kidding. I lived in PA for over 50 years and everything was hurry hurry let's go. Here in LA it's the opposite. Slow is the way they go except when it's close to closing time. Then they hurry you.
I also want everyone to be aware driving is so different here. They drive erratically and have u turns everywhere but most of all people don't use their lights in the dark here. Be careful.
Just got back! Can’t wait to return. Music on Frenchman Street was amazing even on a Tuesday evening… all gifted, local musicians. Still listening to them, on Spotify 😂
Drove 12 hours from Indiana to NOLA and I fell in love. French Quarter, City Park, Garden District and WW2 were great but strangely for us even going to the local grocery chain (Rouses) was a great experience of its own!
I came for a convention and my hotel is close to Rouses. Really good place to shop for groceries and various things to complement hotel food. Specially appreciate the fresh cut melons and other more healthy goodies ;)
Used to live in the suburbs. When I go back, I *love* going to the grocery store for all the great stuff I can no longer get in my current home.
As a native I definitely approve of every tip he gave
My boyfriend (Norway) and me (Germany) consider New Orleans, Louisiana for your first trip to the USA and we thank you for this video
Have fun!
There will be some culture shock! Remember people in nola are really friendly and talkative so expect stangers to treat you like a friend. Just know the social rules are more relaxed so you can jaywalk and nobody will scold you hahaha.
Mark, you are a national (and international) treasure. Your videos are always an excellent resource to planning my trips. Still haven't found a place you haven't been to! Thank you for your amazing content!
Thank you for mentioning the WWII Museum. It is amazing and most people don't know that the people of New Orleans played a critical role in winning the War, which is why it is the ONLY National Museum outside of Washington, D.C.
The National Museum of the Pacific War is in Texas.
New Orleans is a very friendly place. All major cities have sketchy aspects. Paris has pick-pockets. Nola has the Shoe hustle. The history of the city is hustling tbh. Locals are a hoot, super fun and friendly. Everything is walking distance in the French Quarter/Frenchman. Be kind and respectful of the culture!
Mardi Gras was started in Mobile Alabama, also we have Joe Cain day, thats the person who started it
Yeah I heard Mardi Gras was started in Alabama but New Orleans just made it much better
New Orleans is an awesome place and very friendly. Love the vibe there for sure
Yup I was just talking to someone today that is from New Orleans and told me for my trip to prepare for the shoe question 😅
If you come to NOLA, the "shoe question" is the least of things to look out for.
It was a great experience!! I stayed 5 days and that time was good.
I drove to New Orleans because it was part of a long road trip. Stayed outside of the French Quarter (cheaper to stay outside of there) & just took an Uber between there & where I was staying. Was with 1 other person so it was quite easy & affordable for us to do it that way.
where would you recommend staying ?
@@emmaportillo9339 I stayed at the Alder Hotel when I went to New Orleans
Your videos are so helpful & straight to the point. I love your format!
Love my NOLA! We live 40 minutes from this jewel. Just traveled through MSY, it's easy peasy! Day trips for the museums or zoo activities are phenomenal. Love NOLA ❤
Finally getting to go to New Orleans so this video is a huge help!
I love when Mark reviews a city known for excessive drinking - New Orleans, Prague, Krakow. He always seems to see drunk fights after dark. 😆😆
*Excellent episode, Mark.* You know New Orleans well.
I'm a cajun. This man has literally explained everything needed to know in a direct and concise manner. ✌🏽 Perfect...
Just came back from New Orleans last week. We had a wonderful time. A good 4-5 days is all you need. We watched your prior videos for insight. Taking the local taxis over the Uber and Lyft at the airport is the better and cheaper option. Thanks Mark😊👍🏾⚜️🎭
Yep United cab! We use them everyday!
I've watched so many of these videos and this one actually has really great info, THANK YOU.
I like the content Kristy where are you commenting from I may ask?
Luv NOLA! A great culinary tours is through Confederacy of Cruisers! It’s easy to ride a bike in flat NOLA. The tour takes you to eateries that the locals go to! My husband and I have take the tour 2 times! So fun and great guides. If you aren’t interested in food they also do bike tours that don’t include food! Fun stuff!
I like the Cajun Tour and the Pharmacy Museum. Thanks for sharing .
Cajun tour of what? New Orleans isn’t a Cajun town.
I just came back I spent 5 days in new Orleans I loved it great culture and food I stayed at the Marriott on canal it was perfect for location went on a few tours I loved it all it was a great birthday treat for myself!!
I love Nola as they have THE best food. Just have to avoid Bourbon after 11pm on the weekends. The hand grenades and hurricanes have the booze of three drinks so people get HAMMERED and you'll see humanity at its worst at times.
Being born and raised in n.o.had a big influence on the way alot of New Orleanians turned out.This can be a great place to live and a even a greater place to visit.There is one thing that wasn't mentioned to see if it is happening while you are here and, that's a Jazz funeral.It's not as morbid as it sounds. It is one of the best ways to pay tribute to our local musicians.LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL 😊!!!
Mardi Gras was started in Mobile Alabama, also we have Joe Cain day, thats the person who started it
Thanks for these videos man! Taking a little solo trip to NOLA next week. I can't wait!
how was your solo trip?
You're great!!!!! I love you for this!!!! THANK YOU!!! AND GOD BLESS! 😊
St. Peter at 9:19, No Jessica Tarot, No Mark Football statue, no Kodak man. Thanks for the vid!
I went to New Orleans a couple months ago to interview at UNO, I stayed at the City House Hostel on Canal & Burgundy Street. It was a great experience. Bare bones, but all I needed. Right on the edge of the quarter and a fraction of the cost I would have spent at a hotel nearby.
I am visiting New Orleans for the first time in 2 weeks. I found this video helpful
Come see Melanie at Bourbon and Orleans streets and get a Tarot reading! Very entertaining! She is there evenings!
You’re going to have so much fun. French quarter is the place to be. I’ll be there on Halloween.
@@LUribe408 I'll basically be there for Halloween, but I'm going for the Krewe of Boo
How was your trip?
Very informative video! New Orleans is one of my favorite cities. Have been fortunate to visit many times!
I have been to NOLA twice. July both times. First time was extremely humid. Second time wasn't that bad.
Thank you for easing some of my safety concerns! My husband and I will be visiting new Orleans next April and I was wondering how safe it was for our 7 year old:) can't wait to visit!
I went for my birthday in August! It was hot and it also stormed a lot but we had a great time and I can't wait to go back!
Nice one so when is your next birthday Karis?
Thank you sharing the patience point. Lol I’m from cali and people here are on fast forward mode. 🤦🏼♀️ I can’t wait for April🙌🏼❤️
One nice book that helped me a lot in my traveling to New Orleans was "Exploring New Orleans Like A Native" by Brandy Cole, I got that superb book on Amazon.
I would have been lost without that book
Thanks to that dude❤
About to go first weekend of this Feb. been watching your videos which has been great help. Thank you
What a nice shots my dear. It’s just superb.
Excellent background view with your super video.
We spend Christmas in NOLA every year, AMAZING!! You will see ALL bodily fluids in the Quarter *ick*. Best food ever
I want to go to there! New Orleans is one of the places that I haven’t gone and want to go. The architecture, music, food, art and culture… I want to experience it all; the sights, sounds, smells (minus pee or puke) and the vibe. If I do go, I’ll keep in mind all the tips and warnings you gave. Thank you for the set of videos you did on NOLA!
So incredibly informative. Thanks for the peek into the city! We'll be there soon
I am from the UK and one day I'd love to visit ❤️
As a local who lives and works in the NOLA metro area, I would highly suggest looking into local regulations with COVID, as they have changed what to expect when coming here.
Are all the restaurants in NOLA requiring the vax card ?
@@carlosavelar4652 yes
I have had French Quarter hotel reservations for mid-October 2021 since ~May 2021. When I asked my hotel replied that "Yes" vax cards will be required by the restaurants.
I'd recommend boycotting. Masks and vax passes? F that and F NO
@@AdamSmith-gs2dv hey it’s New Orleans, u really shouldn’t expect much
New Orleans refugee here. Love to eat at Mothers.
Riverboat tours are a blast down the Mississippi River to the New Orleans Battleground.
Mention Cafe du Mound, coffee n’ donuts in Jackson Square.
Mark . I watch you videos alot. Very helpfull. We listen to you advice. We are now in New Oleans
Wow! I watch your videos all the time and I'm actually here in New Orleans visiting! Love this place!
New Orleans is the big easy for a reason
We’re planning to visit New Orleans for the first time this fall. We needed a “base” knowledge. This did the trick. Thanks so much!
Love the detail info and also beautiful back ground view :)
Good content 👍
Re airport: While Louis Armstrong's first name is often pronounced "Louie," I believe "Lewis" is what he preferred. Great content!
Mark: “Don’t come in July and August”
Me: Watching this video in New Orleans in July, questioning my life choices 😂
Can confirm. I’ve been in August. Awful. Otherwise, great trip! Haha.
@@vjs2048 I have reservations for the end of July...I lived in FLA for ten years though...
Whys it so bad just the heat?@jacocharo
@@BIG_FETUS Yes. It can get up to 100 F (38 C). It's humid too. You just can't enjoy the city. Don't bother trying to look cute. Just accept you will be sweating all day even indoors.
Very helpful information, thank you!! I really wanna go during Mardi Gras & experience it!! I’m from San Francisco Bay Area, living in Las Vegas now! 😃
I think that'll be lovely Jocelyn
Thank you very much for the info very awesome
Great video! Thnx!
I went to visited New Orleans, Louisiana in early December 2021.
Thank you for this informational video. Going to New Orleans for the first time this summer!
Atmosphere pleasant in the city. So beautiful, charm, between old and modern quarter. 🇺🇸City friendly with 🇨🇵
I'll love to visit there Celina so that I can see for myself
Thank you so much. January 2024 finally visiting.😊
me too!
How was it? I’m questioning going
@@gcarter4496 dont question it. it was fun. I barely explored the city for a night passing through but definitely planning on going back. An experience I keep thinking about and to think I was nervous before going!
Visited NOLA for the 1st time Sept 28 - Oct 4 2021, a month-ish after Hurricane Ida. The most jarring thing was the piles of tree debris sitting in front of houses, even for the rich houses in the Garden District. Less fancier houses often had junk piles in front of them. I stayed in the Lower Garden District for the 1st half of my trip and the Marigny District in the 2nd half.
Did you see any elaborate halloween decorations in the garden district?
THAT IS THE WONDERFUL MAYOR WHO IS A JOKE.
That was because of the storm. Ida was a major storm.... It backed up the garbage collection.
Very detailed and helpful video, thanks!
the best man , thanks for tips,
Land of Beignets and Muffeletas! I need to get back there soon
Hotel Monteleone have the best beignets.
Hey Mark glad you posted this, Im headed there in 3 weeks for my 3rd time. Last time I went was about 10 years ago.
Will be my first visit to the US 😃
Amazing video!🤩🤩Thank you!😘🥰 which is the best way to purchase the ticket or tour to ride the steamboat?
You never forget the amazing food of New Orleans
WOW!!! like drinking from a fire hose, but all great tips and info. Definitely gonna check out your other videos.
Keep in mind that "Mardi Gras" is a day, but there's a whole Carnival season. The weekend before Mardi Gras weekend has many of the best parades and can get crowded and expensive. We're crusing out of New Orleans that weekend next year and most of the hotels were booked over a year out. Of the few rooms that were left, the cheapest were $600/night.
thanks great video~
I’ll be visiting New Orleans for the first time in July so this was really helpful! Thank you!
Great! Thank you for sharing these handy tips!
If you want a Tarot reading see Melanie she is on the corner of Bourbon and Orleans 7 days a week in the evening. 35 years experience!
Average cost? Is it liberating to have a reading?
Wolters, you should make a video of the scammers, pickpocket advisory, hustlers and all of the things that happen to tourist.
Going for the first time in March accomodations are with a friend and it's an event by locals excited
Great video!
Gonna be fun!
Thank you for the information, you’re very helpful!
visiting soon and this was a big help
Awesome to hear!
Hey Marc, great video and please keep making more of these amazing travel videos
New Orleans will never be the same.
What happened
New Orleans will always be the same. The other day I found a photo I took 45 years ago of street performers in the Quarter. I could take the same image today and no one would spot a difference. Great people, great music, great food, and an unmatched enjoyment of life.
@@mikeainsworth9861 you forgot the nonstop crime and terrible city governance
@@ShinyFlakesShinyFlakes Having lived in New Orleans for over 40 years, including the late 1980’s when the crack epidemic made crime a real problem, from first hand experience I disagree with your statement.
@@ShinyFlakesShinyFlakes crime has always been a problem there. It was murder capital in the WORLD in 1994
You’re the man Mark. That is all 😎
Although Barq’s Root Beer is widely enjoyed in New Orleans it is actually not from Louisiana at all, but Biloxi Mississippi.
I really want to visit for the first time next year from the Uk. How would it be coming solo? What is the best time to visit in the year, would it be easy to meet people out there? Always been a dream of mine to visit. Thanks for a great video bud. Can i buy you a beer?
My husband really wants to come to NOLA. I have always wanted to come for the Essence Festival which is usually in July but I am not a fan of uncomfortably warm temps so it’s a good thing knowing I have always missed that for a reason lol. I have to check out your other vids. We’d do more of the family friendly things and exploring the food and culture vs the night life. Thanks for sharing!
Since covid, essence fest has been virtual. Definitely make the trip for sure.
If you're not a fan of hot weather, I would come between November and April. The weather is usually in the mid-fifties to seventies and sunny - with the occasional bouts of cold - during those months. It starts getting hot again around April.
@@JLDReactions thanks for the tip. Will definitely plan around those months.
I really enjoy His videos they were helpful
Excellent video. New subbie I plan to visit in October next year. I need to find restaurants & hotel to go to.
Thanks for subbing
Good info, lots of suggestions.
July and August does suck down here, lol! My Paw Paw used to drink Dixie and Falstaff, though Dixie is called Faubourg now. I drink that every now and then in remembrance of him.
I have visited New Orleans 5 or 6 times. I have always stayed in the suburbs and driven into town and never had any problems locating a parking spot. And btw I've always visited in July as it's the only month I can get enough time off. I also have to add in connection with speed in New Orleans, my grandfather who was in the merchant navy in ghe 60s and visited NO often, called the town Neverleans, because everything seemed to drag on forever.
NOLA is a strange place, it’s not particularly clean, it’s not very modern and not the safest place to visit, but every time you leave, you can’t wait to come back… it has a grip on you and I can’t figure it out myself!!
Great 👍 video
TSA at MSY now has a much longer wait time, up to 2 hrs.
ah yes, the place i visited in my dream even tho i havent heard of this place in years
This is a great video. But we were planning a family trip in early July 2022.
Hey bro ty for links on UA-cam I think individuals will love it for the blogs most don't have guide and it really helps . Ty and hopefully we'll see ya there and get to do some touring together share in the new Orleans experience and have some fun your bro milo
So helpful, thank you! 😊
It has a great info
I wish I had this video when I was fixing the outages there lol great video!
DO: park your car in a gated garage for overnight parking, or your car will be broken in or worse stolen.
Yep!That should be common sense if you've done your research on New Orleans
Checking Mardi Gras 22 off my list. Thanks for the tips!
Thank you! I go in two weeks ✨
As a LONG TIME lyft/uber driver in NOLA our rates are cheaper, our cars are cleaner, our drivers are friendlier and you will know who you are riding with. Our drivers are background checked a few times each year. And I can personally tell you horror stories of rub cabbies changing the rates on passengers to maximize their profits unrealistically ... but, hell ... take a cab if you can't understand the LARGE SIGNS that are CLEARLY displayed showing you that the Lyft/uber pick up zone is 8 feet from the hotel shuttles ... WHICH ARE EVEN CHEAPER then riding rideshare! Just say'n
You mentioned everyone takes time. Boy, you are not kidding. I lived in PA for over 50 years and everything was hurry hurry let's go. Here in LA it's the opposite. Slow is the way they go except when it's close to closing time. Then they hurry you.
I also want everyone to be aware driving is so different here. They drive erratically and have u turns everywhere but most of all people don't use their lights in the dark here. Be careful.
Facts one ways in all directions lol
They should build more streetcars and LRT's.
Hi there . Which venues are requiring vaccination cards to enter
Dixie beer is now called Faubourg beer.
I thought I would never drink a worse beer than Lone Star until I tried Dixie Beer.
Just got back! Can’t wait to return. Music on Frenchman Street was amazing even on a Tuesday evening… all gifted, local musicians.
Still listening to them, on Spotify 😂